TOP TEN WAYS TO GET A DESIGNATED DRIVER

Up front, we all know the Gold Cup can be a big party for many people. Just make sure it isn't too big. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. It's something we take very seriously, so be smart and work it out before you get here.

Not sure how to go about it?

Try this top ten list...

10) See if one of Hilary Clinton's advisors is available for hire. Lord knows, she cans one a week and they might be looking for work.

9) Invite a pregnant woman. Buy her a ticket. Buy her husband and some of their friends tickets. Grovel if necessary.

8) Play rock, paper, driver the night before. Cheat if you must.

7) When was the last time your parents dropped you off and picked you up?

6) Tony Stewart has threatened to leave Joe Gibbs' NASCAR team, maybe you can catch a ride with him.

5) Hitch hike with the guy with the Bud Light and the chainsaw…No, even the guy with the Bud Light and the axe thinks that's a bad idea.

4) We don’t ride the bus, you don’t ride the bus, but everybody loves a party bus (scroll down).

3) Carpool, carpool, carpool -- gas is expensive...and it was Earth Day just the other day.

2) Hire somebody -- that ALWAYS works (see #1).

1) Volunteer. Step up to the plate, it’s probably your turn.

HOW TO TELL IT'S ALMOST MAY...

...besides the whole "April showers" thing...

It’s almost May and besides a calendar, how would you now that?

Well, let’s see. It’s been a month since Georgetown got knocked out of the Big Dance by Davidson ending any local teams shot at the National Championship.

The Nationals, basking in the glow of a cool new stadium, went on a season opening three-game winning streak before diving into the tank and last place in the National League East.

Just the other night, D.C. United lost their second straight game to open the season 1-3.

The Wizards who were picked by many in the media to win their opening round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers went momentarily brain-dead and decided to tell several media outlets that LeBron James “is overrated.” King James was not amused torching them for 30 the other night in a 116-86 Cavs’ win. Cleveland lead the series 0-2, and it’s not lookin’ so good for the Wiz.

And last night, the Capitals, who were enjoying a worst to first run, lost the seventh and deciding game of their playoff series to nemesis Philadelphia (again). In overtime (again). Season over.
So with all the local sports teams in the tank or tanking, it MUST BE almost May and time for the biggest and best outdoor picnic/cocktail party in the area…The Virginia Gold Cup.

Come check it out, your horse might lose, but you can’t!

(Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

Can you keep a secret? I’ll let you in on a little something.

My usual gig? Foxhunting.

Winter. Cold. Running up and down hills over slippery ground chasing a bunch of howling flea bag mutts that are chasin’ some fox.

Are you kidding me?

To make it worse, they get me up at the crack of dawn, give me a bath…a bath, in the middle of the winter mind you! Drag me off of my farm down the road to some other farm. When it’s over they have something called a hunt breakfast. Bull. Fancy word for cocktail party. Do I get to go? Oh no, trusty steed here gets to hang out in the horse trailer and munch on some hay and wait until the party is over.

Nice…real nice.

Now, this Gold Cup gig? Much, much better. Primo, in fact. It doesn’t start until late morning. It’s warm. Almost always a beautiful day. I get to cruise around with a bunch of my famous racehorse cousins who are running in the $100,000 Virginia Gold Cup. That’s serious coin.

Oh, and this knucklehead to my left?

He gets to cruise around on my back and flirt with the pretty girls at all the rail side parking spaces. Nice shades, huh?

This is pretty much how we spend our day. Pretty girls love horses. Little kids get to pet me on the nose, which is way cool. Little girls love horses too. This is a much better gig -- sleep late, hang with the homies, flirt with the chicks, lots of photo ops with the kiddies. An occasional apple, peppermint or carrot.

Quality equine afternoon, thank you very much.

Who’s with me?

Seriously, look at this face. Who couldn’t love this face? Who doesn’t want to PAR-TAY with this mug? Who's with me?

NOT AT THE GOLD CUP

Should you make the slightest effort, you will see horses at the Gold Cup, but you won't see one of these. But, you may see one of it's relatives.

Here, an Omani woman rides side saddle as she shows off her skills during a show ending the horse racing season at the al-Feleij track in Muscat on April 17, 2008.

And where is Muscat, you ask?

In Oman...I'ts the toe of the boot.

The Arab peninsula is famous for the horses bred by Bedouin Arabs. Over the centuries and through selective breeding the Bedouins developed an Arab horse which was tough and yet beautiful and which today form part of the breeding pedigree of European race horses.

Of course, some of that blood is found in the horses that race at the Gold Cup (Thoroughbreds).

(Photo by Mohammed Mahjoub/AFP/Getty Images)

REFS DECIDE BIG TIMBER RACE

OK, for those of you wanting to know something about the actual Gold Cup, listen up. (It’s a good way to impress your date, friends, kids, etc.)

Last weekend, they held the My Lady’s Manor steeplechase in Maryland. It’s a 3 mile timber stakes race that is similar to the Virginia Gold Cup. It has historically been a good tune-up for the Gold Cup, but not a shoe-in precursor since it’s one mile shorter. Last time we were running and jumping over four foot fences, we determined that an extra mile is, in fact, a long way.

So the brown horse on the left, Erin Go Bragh (NZ) (The NZ means he is from New Zealand) won the race by about three feet over the grey horse, Hot Springs. But the refs (we call them stewards) went to the videotape to take a little closer look at some bumping that occurred near the last of the 16 timber fences.

After said film review, the zebras decided that Erin Go Bragh (NZ) went a little bit Erin Go Crooked (MD), thus interfering with Hot Springs and impeding a likely victory by the handsome grey. So unlike other sports you watch, they simply changed the outcome.

Young jockey Darren Nagle said Erin Go Bragh (NZ), "bumped and bulldogged me between the second to last and last fences. My horse lost concentration and didn't jump the last and nearly came down and fell."

Erin’s rider, veteran Paddy Young didn’t see it that way, “It was pretty deceptive," he said of the film. "I think the best horse won. He (Hot Springs) had enough time to get there" through the stretch run.

The officials agreed with Nagle, and Hot Springs was declared the winner.

Look for both horses to run back in the Gold Cup and hopefully there is enough space out at Great Meadow that they can stay out of one another’s way.

CHECK OUT THE HORSES

People say they go to the Gold Cup and never see a horse.

Those people are exaggerating. They're kind of hard to miss as they go galloping by every 20 minutes.
Although a lot of folks go to the Gold Cup for the party, the picnic, the people watching or just to have a nice day with friends and family, it remains one of the biggest, best and most important horse races in Virginia.

So pay attention (a little, at least).

Without much effort you will realize that it is impossible to keep your eyes off these beautiful animals – the horses, that is.

Check out this scene from London last week. In spite of the best efforts of British beach volleyball Olympic hopefuls, Lucy Boulton, left, and Denise Johns, to distract this group of tourists, only two are watching them play v-ball. The overwhelming majority are focused on the palace, and, of course, the horses.

We really have no explanation...but it happens all the time.

And the exact same thing happens at the Gold Cup. Folks who claim to have no interest in horses or steeplechase racing find themselves mesmerized by the spectacle. Kids find it especially enthralling, and those of you with front row parking spaces have the best spot in the house to see, hear and feel the action.

Yes the ground shakes a bit when they go racing by…

Go ahead, bring your volleyball if you must.

THIS IS...

...AMERICAN IDOL!

No it's not.

It's the Virginia Gold Cup. Do you see Ryan, Randy, Paula or Simon standing around?

We didn't thinks so...and they don't know what they are missing.

But, a former contestant is singing the National Anthem.

Born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, 24 year-old Travis Tucker has been singing and performing for as long as he can remember. Travis has graced a variety of stages. He is best known for his appearance on American Idol Season 4 where Simon Cowell himself described him as “a born performer. ” His captivating performances elevated him to the final 16 contestants.

Since then, Travis has performed multiple times for the Washington Redskins, the University of Virginia, as well as numerous fundraisers and concerts in the Northern Virginia area. Currently, Travis performs with his Soul/Funk band Millennium in the DC metro area. He is also working on his first album Just Live, where he exhibits his silky poetic songwriting style.

Travis is not only an accomplished singer/performer, he has also proven himself as an enchanting motivational speaker. His message of “Living Every Day,” has inspired hundreds of youths across Northern Virginia.

ENGLISH GRAND NATIONAL

First off, it didn't rain.

Secondly, Comply Or Die produced a gutsy jumping display to win the $1.59 million Grand National at Aintree and hand a first success in the famous steeplechase to jockey Timmy Murphy and trainer David Pipe on Saturday near Liverpool.

The 7-1 well-backed joint favorite triumphed by four lengths from King Johns Castle (20-1), ridden by Paul Carberry, with Snowy Morning (16-1) a further length-and-a-half back in third after the four-and-a-half mile marathon over 30 fences. (Sound familiar?) Forty horses started the race.

Irishman Murphy, 33, was always going well on Comply Or Die and pushed him into the lead at the last of 30 fences. The nine-year-old then readily held off his pursuers to give Murphy his first National win in 12 attempts.

“I can’t believe it yet, it’s the best ride I’ve ever had over these fences,” Murphy told BBC Television.

“I just got into a lovely rhythm and he jumped fantastic."

“You can never rest on your laurels in the National, riding over those fences," said Murphy. "I just concentrated on getting over every single one, I got over the last and then it’s a long way home."

GOLD CUP CANCELLED

The Virginia Gold Cup, held the first Saturday in May year-in and year-out, has been cancelled due to nice weather, a slump in the real estate market and the high cost of gasoline.

April Fools.

It would take a lot more than that to stop Northern Virginia's biggest sporting event and outdoor cocktail party and picnic.

Speaking of somewhat foolish things...We aren't so sure about this dude's hat. Now, mind you, the Virginia Gold Cup is all about hats, but mostly for the women. Guys might keep it simple...

This hat, well...we aren't so sure. Did he steal it from Brittney Spears or is he trying to look like Johathon Penner from Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites?

Who knows, maybe the Chi Chi Rodriguez fedora is going to catch on.

MAD AT MARCH?

Yep, it's the that time of year again...March Madness...Is your team still in the tourney? If you went to or go to Georgetown, American or George Mason, you're out. If you went to or go to GW, UVA, Maryland or Virginia Tech you never got in the Big Dance. The Wahoos and Hokies went to other tourneys, and now there out too.

So your bracket is probably all you have left...oh, that's not looking so good either? Never fear in a couple of weeks your taxes are due...Argghhh!!

But wait, there's a perfect remedy to all that anxiety -- just two short weeks after Tax Day comes the Virginia Gold Cup where all your March and April madness will be assuaged by a wonderful afternoon in the Virginia countryside. What a perfect way to kick off one of the best month's of the year which is then followed by the best season of the year -- summer. All ahead, full.

We feel better just thinking about it...

OIL, FAST HORSES, LOTS OF MONEY: NOT AROUND HERE

Jockeys and horses train in the early hours of March 26, 2008 at Nad al-Sheba club ahead of the Dubai Equestrian World Cup 2008. The Dubai World Cup, held on March 29, is the richest horse race in the world, with prize money totaling $21.25 million.

You know what that is? A lot of CASH.

You know what else it is? Damn INCONVENIENT.

Your aren't going to Dubai, but the Virginia Gold Cup is an easy commute from Washington, DC, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.

You should go.

(Photo by Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images)

GO GREYHOUND? NOT EXACTLY

No, better, much better!

The Virginia Gold Cup has partnered up with Lindy Promotions, Inc. to provide bus transportation and a pre-party package from three Metro locations in the D.C. region.

“This year, Lindy Promotions has been exclusively selected to organize The Official Gold Cup Bus Trip,” states Dr. William Allison, Virginia Gold Cup race chairman. Catch a ride to the races on the bus in the morning and eliminate the worry about driving and parking. Buses will depart from three Metro accessible bars in Bethesda (Tommy Joe’s on the Red Line), Arlington (Front Page Arlington on the Orange Line), and D.C. (Regional Food and Drink on the Red Line), and packages will feature pre- and post-bus trip specials.

Each ticket includes round trip bus transportation, admission to the races and reserved bus parking close to the north rail. Ticket price is currently $40 increasing as the race approaches so get your tickets early. Bus tickets to Gold Cup must be booked in advance. To order tickets, visit the Lindy Promotions web site www.lindypromo.com/goldcup

and click on “Purchase a Seat” or call Lindy Promotions at 301.652.7712.

The Virginia Gold Cup Races takes place on Saturday, May 3 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. The setting is truly spectacular in the heart of Virginia horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop. Event gates open at 10 am with pre-race entertainment starting at 11 am including terrier races, the Junior Field Master Chase for young riders, and the Blackwater Parachute Team with the National Anthem being sung by former American Idol contestant, Travis Tucker.

The first of six horse races gets underway at 1:30 pm. General admission car passes are $75 in advance, $85 the week of the race (allows entry of car and up to 6 occupants) or buy a bus ticket and let Virginia Gold Cup do the driving.

For more information on the Virginia Gold Cup Races please call 540-347-2612 or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

DON’T EVEN TRY TO TELL US…there is no such thing as leprechauns.

Actually, that’s not the point of this picture. Check out the caption straight from Getty Images and we quote:

"Robert 'Chocolate' Thornton celebrates as he rides the horse Katchit (not pictured) into the winners enclosure after winning The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle during the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in England on March 11, 2008.”

It’s the “(not pictured)” part that got us giggling.

Now we know folks at our Gold Cup don't always no where the horses are, but evidenlty the press over in jolly old England has a bit of trouble keeping tabs on the equines during teh Cheltham Festival which ultimatley hosts the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

(Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

MOVE OVER KENTUCKY DERBY...

It's time to start planning for the 2008 Virginia Gold Cup...

One of the nation’s largest steeplechase races celebrates its 83rd anniversary this year on Saturday, May 3, 2008. Approximately 50,000 people will gather at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia to socialize and watch some of the finest horses in the world compete over the lush green course. Held every year on the first Saturday in May (the same day as the Kentucky Derby), the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop.

This event has become a long-standing tradition and is attended by national celebrities, local VIPs, Washington, DC politicians as well as visitors from around the world. Characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek thoroughbreds and exciting hoof-pounding competition, steeplechase racing is said to combine the best of fast-action sports with a refined social setting. This is one of the Washington, D.C. region’s largest and oldest outdoor events.

The 83rd Annual Running of the Virginia Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, May 3 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Gates open at 10 a.m. with pre-race entertainment starting at 11 a.m. including a Terrier Race Exhibition, the Junior Field Master Chase, and the Blackwater USA Parachute Team. The first of seven horse races, including the Junior Field Master Chase gets underway at 12:15 pm. General admission car passes are $75 in advance, $85 the week of the race (allows entry of car and up to 6 occupants). Sponsorship and hospitality packages are available.

A long-standing Virginia tradition, the Junior Field Master Chase gives young riders a chance to demonstrate their riding skills before large race crowds, an experience especially important to riders who may be planning to make race riding a career.

Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, DC and is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport. To get there from Washington, DC, take I-66 west to The Plains exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 south), follow signs to Great Meadow which will be on your left. Call 540-347-2612 for additional information or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.

The Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Galen Capital Corporation with race sponsorship support from Blackwater USA, Infinitive, Novo Nordisk and Creighton Farms. Race day activities are underwritten by The Virginia Lottery, Watson Wyatt Worldwide, NTRC, Wildblue Communications, Nelson Cable, Farm and Ranch Magazine, and Capital Party Rental. Official providers of the Virginia Gold Cup Races are Grand Cuisine, Bonterra Wines, Coca-Cola, Dogtopia, Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, Miller Brewing Co., and Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Warmest holiday wishes from everyone at the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup!

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Horses and jockeys clear a hurdle during the Conditional Novices Handicap Hurdle at Wetherby racecourse at Wetherby, England, Friday, Nov. 2, 2007.

(AP Photo/John Giles-pa)

WINNINGTHEMAINEVENT

Arthur Arundel's Seeyouattheevent (pictured right in a photo by Tracy A. Woodward) won the feature race -- the International Gold Cup.

For a great photo essay courtesy of the Loudoun Extra and the Washington Post, go to: http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/photos/galleries/70th-running-international-gold-cup/

For some more blog love and an awesome lobster bisque recipe along with every gin drinkers dream (a bucket of the stuff...), go to:

http://sarahmeyerwalsh.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/a-day-at-the-races-recap-of-the-international-gold-cup/

A good time was had by all!

SOME BLOG LOVE

Sarah Meyer Walsh's “The District Domestic” is a blog designed "to share my passion for incredible food, beautiful days in the garden and fine home keeping." In her “spare” time, she runs Haute Papier, a couture stationery studio in Washington, DC.

She also knows a first class social event when she sees one!

The District Domestic featured the IGC earlier this week...

Check it out: http://sarahmeyerwalsh.wordpress.com/2007/10/16/international-gold-cup-this-weekend/

PSSSST...LISTEN UP...

Hey, I don't let everybody in on the inside information I get as a jockey, but here's something you should know: Saturday, the weather geniuses say it's going to be sunny and 72 degrees. I don't want to get caught up in Weather Channel hyperbole, but that sounds almost perfect for a day at the races...

Perfect for the horses, perfect for the jockeys, perfect for a tailgate...Perfect.

Who's with me?

WE JUST SAID NO

There was some excitement in the Gold Cup office the other day when one of Britney Spears' "people" called in looking for free tickets to the International Gold Cup coming up this Saturday. There was a bit of scuffling about until it was verified that the caller was legit and was, in fact, representing Spears.

A quick meeting was held of everyone in the office, and the vote was 11-0. Well, the guy delivering the water hemmed and hawwed for a few minutes, but we told him if he wanted to vote he had to pull the trigger.

He voted NO.

So did everybody else.

Maybe next year.

OPRAH MEET OPRAH

Here's how this goes...You get a racehorse and you want to name it after one of your buddies or somebody famous. The registry -- The Jockey Club -- will let you name it Alvin Contradine, but they won't let you name him Bradd Pitt or George Clooney or Tom Brady. They most certainly will NOT let you name it Oprah Winfrey.

In order to give a Thoroughbred racehorse a famous persons name, you have to get permission from said famous person. In less of course, you hedge your bet just a bit...

Enter Oprah Winney. We don't know if her owners got permission from media mogul Oprah Winfrey or not, but Winfrey will pay tribute to her (almost) equine namesake next Tuesday, October 23, when The Oprah Winfrey Show runs a segment on the top filly sprinter Oprah Winney.

The segment is expected to include footage from Oprah Winney's victory earlier this year in the Barbara Fritchie Handicap at Laurel Park over in Maryland as well as scenes from last year's Breeders' Cup World Championships. The fleet Rick Dutrow trainee is scheduled to make her next start in the inaugural running of the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint on October 26 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. (ESPN2, 4:00-6:00 p.m., ET)

All this is great, and contratry to how this usually goes. Typically, if you name a horse after one of your friends or a celeb, they can't outrun a fat man uphill.

Way to go, Oprah!

TWEED: IT’S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE

The Fall Golf Cup is just 10 days away, so it’s time to get serious about the wardrobe. It’s been a little bit hard to think about what to wear on a spectacular fall afternoon when the recent weather has seemed like July.

And then there was today…Break out the tweed! This Thursday a.m. awoke cool and brisk, and sort of…autumn like. It’s about time. Of course, the International Gold Cup is always a little more difficult to handicap in terms of weather since the third Saturday in October can be 55 or 80 – one just never knows.

However, just like the spring, keep in mind those famous words of rocker Joe Jackson – “You Gotta Look Sharp.” Trade in the sun dress for something a little bit warmer. Guys, hang onto the sport coat…it looked good in the Spring and it will continue to do so in the Fall while keeping you, the date you brought, or the date you just met warm. Tweed is good. It being fall with pumpkins and mums, brown seems to be popular. Just look at the horses.

If you’re a child, you can wear a costume. A horse costume is a good call. If you are older than eleven or twelve such an outfit will only scare people. If you must wear such a thing be sure to pin a sign on your chest that says “Lost a Bet.”

Like the spring and the world famous Virginia Gold Cup, hats are important. But spring hats and summer hats are different as most of you know.

Be creative, it’s all in good fun!

LOOK: IT'S THE SAME, ONLY DIFFERENT

So what is the difference between the two race meets -- the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup? Well there are a few very subtle differences that you can best determine by attending each race. However, from a big picture perspective -- and big picture being about a fun day -- they are pretty much the same. The sun is in a slightly different position in the sky, there is probably a 10/15 degree weather variable, and a few more clothes may or may not be needed.

All and all, the smiles look pretty much the same.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

THE OPERATIVE WORD IS COOL...It's just a cool picture of two horses going over a big jump on a spectacular October aftenoon.

Will you be there?

Hope so.

STEEPLECHASING 505 - GRADUATE LEVEL

Here's how you impress people at your International Gold Cup tailgate: Start polishing up on what is happening in the sport of steeplechasing.

Last weekend Sonny Via's Good Night Shirt came off a 45 day vacation to win the inaugural Lonesome Glory Stakes at Belmont Park. Yes, that's the same Belmont where they run the third and final leg of flat racing's Triple Crown. The Vias are nice people who live in Free Union down by Charlottesville.

Lonesome Glory was a champion steeplechaser who had his retirement party right here at Great Meadow (stuff like that wows 'em every time, you know the details!).

The race had a purse of $168,400, so folks were taking it rather seriously. Ernie Oare's EMO Stables' Orison finished second. Mr. Oare is also a nice man and he lives in Warrenton, the quaint little town just down the road from Great Meadow.

A horse named Preemptive Strike was third.

You can make up the rest. Who's gonna know?

NO FOURTH AND ONE HERE

OK, let's get this straight up front. Part of the allure of the International Gold Cup is the spectacular fall foliage, the wonderful fall weather, the beautiful women, the handsome guys, all the great tailgates and some world class horse racing.

The other wonderful part of the allure is knowing so little about the actual racing part that you are never inclined to scream when something goes wrong. If the jockey you pull for does something stupid, unlike in OTHER SPORTS, you won't be bothered simply because you probably won't notice this little blunder. If you're horse is having an off day, how will you know? It's all good.

On a beautiful day in the country, it will all seem like it's going swimmingly...Think how much nicer that is than attending a sporting event with a negative outcome littered with decisions being made by overpaid knuckleheads...Does this sound familiar?

Oh, and you don't have to wear any really ugly clothes either...

We thought you would agree...Do you have your International Gold Cup tickets yet?

THE BRITISH ARE COMING!

Oh yeah, we already did that...However:

EUROPEAN RIDERS TO COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP

The Virginia Gold Cup Association announced today that riders from across Europe will compete in the upcoming 70th Running of the International Gold Cup on Saturday, October 20, for the Fegentri World Championship . The jockeys are official members of the International Federation of Amateur Riders (FEGENTRI). As amateur riders, they come from varied backgrounds and have full time professions such as banking, high technology, doctors, dentists and lawyers. Some students also compete. All are united by a common passion for horseracing and an addiction to the adrenaline rush they get from the speed.

(Of course, they are also united by being a little bit crazy, yes?)

The International Gold Cup, presented by Porsche of North America, has a long-standing history of international involvement. One of the most prestigious timber races in the country, the event includes seven races timber, brush, and the flat. Attracting the finest jump-race contenders in the United Sates and Europe, the International Gold Cup presents purses (prize money) totaling over $175,000. Pre-race festivities, including Jack Russell terrier races and a musical ride demonstration by the U.S. Park Police, add to the genteel character and family enjoyment of an autumn day in Virginia horse country.

New this year, the International Gold Cup is extremely proud to host a Porsche Sports Car Exhibition, presented by Porsche Club of America and the Washington, D.C. area Porsche dealers, will feature an exciting display of vintage and current model Porsches. Porsche enthusiasts will be on hand to share their passion for and knowledge of these gorgeous exotics. So, there is horse power both on the field and off the field.

FALL SEASON APPROACHING

Virginia's fall steeplechase season is rapidly approaching, do you know where your plaid is?

The first event is Sept. 15 - Thornton Hill Hounds Point-to-Point, followed by the new Blue Ridge Hunt Fall Races Sept. 22.

Post time for Thornton Hill is 12:30 p.m.; races include timber, hurdles and turf along with a hound race. The Thornton Hill course is just south of Sperryville in Rappahannock County. Details are online: www.thorntonhillraces.com .

The Blue Ridge races run Sept. 22 starting at 1 p.m. at historic Woodley Farm south of Berryville. Races include timber, hurdles and turf. Check the Web site for more information: www.blueridgefallraces.com .

These races give horsemen the opportunity to tune up for the rich National Steeplechase Association fall season. NSA races in Virginia include the Sept. 30 Foxfield Fall Races near Charlottesville, Oct. 6 and 7 Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg, Oct. 13 Morven Park Races in Leesburg, Oct. 21 INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP RACE at Great Meadow, Oct. 28 Steeplechase at Oak Ridge south of Charlottesville and the Nov. 3 Montpelier Races near Orange.

For more info: http://www.centralentryoffice.com/.

SALMO GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE

Running and jumping on the lead for 4 miles, timber veteran Salmo won the $100,000 Virginia Gold Cup May 5 at Great Meadow. Salmo is a homegrown Virginia-bred produced by Sara Collette at her and husband Bruce’s Pageland Farm in Casanova. Salmo’s dam, Melanta by Vast Empire, is also a Pageland homebred.

The 11-year-old son of steeplechase sire Northern Baby went to the lead at the start, maintained the advantage with superb jumping over the 22-fence course and repelled a stiff challenge from VTA member Harold Via, Jr.’s Mr Bombastic in the stretch to win by a head. Chip Miller rode the winner for trainer Jack Fisher. Ghost Valley was third and Arthur “Nick” Arundel’s Seeyouattheevent was fourth.

The world's first timber race with a six-figure purse, the Gold Cup featured five major contenders in contention at the last fence. Salmo, Mr Bombastic, Ghost Valley, Bubble Economy and Seeyouattheevent were all in with a chance. Bubble Economy fell and Salmo and Mr Bombastic surged away toward the wire.

Colette produced Melantha from the *Zabeg mare Flower Bow. Flower Bow was the dam of 11 foals, eight to race and five winners including $72,488 winner North Station and $42,974 winner Fairfield Joe. Flower Bow was a half- sister to stakes winner Turma-Now who won the Arch Ward Stakes and placed in the Hyde Park Stakes and the Futurity Trial Stakes. The colt by Tooley also set a new track record at Gulfstream Park. The extended family incudes Grade 1 winner Wedge Shot and the stakes winners Pitching Wedge and Arctic Search.

Collette was there when Salmo was foaled. “He was enormous, but had this athletic coordination. I always had the feeling he was an extraordinary horse,” said Collette.

Salmo, aside from being by Northern Baby the sire of steeplechase champions Highland Bud and Warm Spell, never raced until he was a five-year-old in 2001. He only made three turf starts on the flat at Colonial Downs and Pimlico before setting his sights exclusively on the jump meets. He has always liked the course at Great Meadow, breaking his maiden there in 2003 as a seven-year-old. He also was third in the 2004 International Gold Cup to Chinese Whisper and Joe at Six.

Collette sold Salmo to Irv Naylor following his maiden victory at Great Meadow. Acting on the advice of Kasie Kinglsey, the mother of Naylor’s then trainer Arch Kingsley, Naylor paid what Collette called a huge price “since I really didn’t want to sell him.” Naylor agreed, and the rest is history.
Now under new silks, timber racing continues to agreed with the now 11-year-old Salmo. He won the Winterthur Bowl and the Radnor Hunt Cup in April and May of 2006, and he prepped for his Gold Cup win by running second to Ghost Valley in the Middleburg Hunt Cup at the Middleburg Spring Races at Glenwood Park this April.

“Everybody longs to win the Gold Cup,” Collette told the Fauquier Times-Democrat after the race. “He (Salmo) needs to be a happy horse to run his best, and I think Jack has him happy,” she added.

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

What are you doing on the internet? There are only two places you should be today. One is pictured above -- the Gold Cup, and the other is pictured below -- the Kentucky Derby.

You need to get dressed, or you might miss something.